Great news!  Schroth Quick Fit and Quick Fit Pro belts for E82/E90/E92 series coming in September!

The long wait is over, and right now the harnesses are en route to our shores and headed to track paddocks near you. Starting in September, approved Quick Fit and Quick Fit Pro harnesses for the E82 1 Series, the E90 and E92 3 Series will be in stock.

What's so great about these harnesses? They integrate into factory safety systems offering a higher level of safety than a simple bolted in 4 point harness. In most cases, a Simple adapter is all that gets bolted to the car, and the rest of the harnesses plugs into factory seat belt receptacles. This is perfect for cars that still see street use, leaving intact all factory 3 point harnesses.

The difference between Quick Fit and Quick Fit Pro? Quick Fit Pro harnesses have a different geometry and use a central cam lock which allows for use of the HANS device, where the standard Quick Fit is more of a standard 4 point shape using a typical buckle. Both are legal for road use in the USA, conforming to FMVSS209 which regulates primary vehicle restraints.
Available in Black, Blue, Red, and Silver.

Taking prestock orders now:

Click here to view Quick Fit belts

Click here to view Quick Fit Pro belts (for use with HANS)

What is a HANS-Type Crash?

What Is A HANS-Type Crash?
Atlanta, Ga. (Feb. 22, 2012) – The 2012 racing season is already having a major impact – the kind where cars are crumpled in accidents and drivers thankfully walk away. "We’re already seeing HANS-type crashes," said Jim Downing, president of HANS Performance Products.
What is a HANS-type crash? Two recent examples are Jeff Gordon’s Chevy barrel-rolling down the track at Daytona after hitting the wall during the Budweiser Shootout and Mike Austin’s Top Alcohol Dragster sailing over the wall in the NHRA’s Winternationals before suffering multiple impacts. Each driver was thankful to be wearing a HANS Device.
"Any crash where a car suffers an impact – or a series of impacts – is a HANS-type accident," said Downing. "The most often overlooked aspect of the HANS Device is its ability to keep on working in a crash with multiple impacts from different directions. It’s not just about hitting the wall head-on."
Downing is quick to point out that the HANS Device works as part of a safety system required by sanctioning bodies like NASCAR and the NHRA. "In these type of incidents, a driver needs to have a good seat, a good harness and proper head surrounds in addition to a head and neck restraint," said Downing, a five-time IMSA champion and former class winner of the Rolex 24 at Daytona.
Four-time Sprint Cup champion Gordon is thankful for the changes in NASCAR safety since Dale Earnhardt Sr. was killed in a crash on the last lap at the Daytona 500 in 2001. Gordon said walking away from his recent accident "is a true testament to the safer barrier and the HANS Device and the structure of the cars and the seatbelts that we’re running."
Drag racer Austin said he installed every piece of safety equipment available in the cockpit of his Top Alcohol Dragster, which was destroyed after it hit a concrete retaining barrier. That included a high quality seat, a head surround and the HANS Device. "There was a lot of different impacts and a lot of different angles," said Austin, who was bruised and battered but suffered no injuries. "I’m still here with no sore neck. I’m fortunate to walk away."
Michael McDowell, a driver who will walk to his car in Thursday’s Gatorade Duels to attempt to qualify for the Daytona 500, is the classic example of a driver able to walk away from multiple impacts. In 2008, McDowell’s Toyota hit the wall at Texas Motor Speedway in qualifying and then suffered another major impact before it flipped and rolled several times. McDowell’s only injury? Some bruises to his forehead that indicated the HANS Device had done its job.
"We get testimonials each week from competitors in all types of vehicles all over the world in many different types of accidents with a lot of different angles," said Downing. "That explains why the HANS Device is relied on by over 130,000 racers around the world."
Contact: Gary Milgrom Vice President, HANS Performance ProductsTel: 1-888-HANS-999 or 770-457-1046

Racetech 4009HR, 4009WHR

Racetech Seats from New Zealand supply serious racing seats for road, rally and circle track racing.

Apex Performance has both the RT 4009HR and RT4009WHR models in stock with 2011 FIA dates. Stop by our showroom and try them out or catch us at the track.

http://www.apexperformance.net/CartGenie/prod-1195.htm

NASA Completes First Test for Space-Age HANS

NASA Completes First Test for Space-Age HANS
Atlanta, Ga. (Dec. 21, 2010) – What do HANS Device inventor Dr. Robert Hubbard, NASA and NASCAR have in common? All three are collaborating in an effort to improve crash restraints for astronauts.
The first series of crash sled tests was recently undertaken at Wright Patterson Air Force Base using a dummy fitted with a prototype restraint for use during NASA launches and landings. Dustin Gohmert of the Crew and Thermal Systems Division of NASA directed the tests.
The new head restraint resulted from a collaboration first undertaken in 2008 at the Texas Motor Speedway, where officials from NASA’s Johnson Space Center and Hubbard met with NASCAR officials to discuss the use of the sanctioning body’s data base for assessing crash injury dynamics. NASCAR subsequently provided data taken from recorders in race vehicles, which facilitates the development of injury criteria for astronauts by using computer modeling in conjunction with the real world experience from NASCAR competition.
The prototype HANS-type head restraint for astronauts is comprised of a round collar and yoke made from carbon fiber. The helmet and neck ring of the space suit fit to the round collar and yoke, a single unit to be held in place by an astronaut’s shoulder belts.
The testing was the first of more to follow. “The issue is to understand crew safety well enough to optimize crash injury reduction with the many, many other considerations such as weight and the unique environment of space and other threats to crew safety like emergency egress,” said Hubbard, who has been a consultant to NASA since 2007.
The new prototype was built by Jerry “Rabbitt” Lambert of Downing/Atlanta Composites. Lambert has worked as a fabricator for the race team of Jim Downing since 1986. He has participated in four IMSA championships by Downing’s team and the LMP2 class victory at the Le Mans 24-hour scored by Downing’s Kudzu-Mazda. Lambert has been instrumental in the development of the HANS Device, first introduced to the market in 1990 by HANS Performance Products.

Zamp FSA2 Helmets

We've got the new Zamp FSA2 helmets in stock and they have been very popular. If you are looking for an SA2005 helmet but are on a budget, the FSA2 is $169.95 and includes a free fleece lined helmet bag, headsock and ground shipping to US 48. Sizing is running on the small size so if you are between sizes, opt for the next size up. You can also exchange the helmet for a different size and just pay shipping - no restock fee on exchanges. The size charts are a guideline but not a 100% guarantee of fit. Here's the link:

http://www.apexperformance.net/cartgenie/prodList.asp?scat=274&sflag=3&brand=84

Continental and Hoosier Announce Strategic Alliance Partnership

FORT MILL, S.C. and LAKEVILLE, Ind., Oct. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- The convergenceof the high-performance street tire and race tire industries took asignificant step forward today as Continental Tire and Hoosier Racing Tireannounced a strategic alliance based on a shared vision for motorsportsmarketing and race proven technology. By engaging the companies at themarketing, business and R&D levels, the alliance will allow both companies todrive new growth prospects, technologies and have the potential to ultimatelytransform a variety of motorsports platforms."This partnership will open the door for endless opportunities, which willbenefit both companies," said Bill Caldwell, Vice President of Sales andMarketing, Continental Tire. "The combination of Continental's expertise is inperformance street tires, and Hoosier's industry leading technology in racetire development will allow both companies to compete in new market segments.""The exchange of technologies will result in increased levels of performancein future product developments for both companies," said Joerg Burfien,Director of R&D - Americas, Continental Tire.The alliance will consist of Continental and Hoosier being strategic partnersfor advanced performance solutions and motorsports integration. A team ofindustry veterans has been formed and will be the driving force behind thecollaborative marketing, product development and implementation process. Bothcompanies will invest substantially into resources for the marketing, businessdevelopment and delivery of specific products. "We are working together because we believe it benefits both organizations byaffording opportunities for deep collaboration in marketing and businessdevelopment, allowing us to rapidly deliver high quality products to consumerswho are simply demanding the best tire for their investment," said DennisSherman, Vice President Sales and Marketing, Hoosier Racing Tire. "Togetherwe are better."With sales exceeding 24 billion Euro in 2008, the Continental Corporation isone of the top automotive suppliers worldwide. As a supplier of brake systems,systems and components for the powertrain and chassis, instrumentation,infotainment solutions, vehicle electronics, tires and technical elastomers,the corporation contributes towards enhanced driving safety and protection ofthe global climate. Continental is also a competent partner in networkedautomobile communication. The corporation currently employs approximately133,000 at nearly 190 locations in 35 countries.Hoosier is the largest race tire manufacturer in the world. Hoosiermanufactures and distributes a complete line of racing tires for most types ofracing, including road, drag, oval, and kart applications. For additionalinformation on Hoosier Racing Tire and its line of high performance racingtires, log on to www.hoosiertire.com. Online media database: www.mediacenter.continental-corporation.com;North America online media database: www.CTNAMedia.com , www.CTNAMedia.mobi. Hoosier Website address: www.hoosiertire.comSOURCE Continental Tire North America, Inc.Dana Zamalloa, Manager, PR and Communications, Continental Tire North America,Inc., +1-704-583-8165, dana.zamalloa@conti-na.com, or Mariellen Fagan,Director, Communications, Crowl, Montgomery & Clark, +1-330-494-6999, ext.201, Fax: +1-330-494-6242, mfagan@crowlinc.com, or Paula Nate, PR Manager,Hoosier Racing Tire Corp, +1-574-784-3152, Fax: +1-574-784-2385,pnate@hoosiertire.com

The Quest for Lower Lap Times

My personal quest for lower lap times started in 1991. At age 64 it continues today. The answer of how to shave time off of laps is varied but it always comes back to the driver’s performance.
Something we are all guilty of is buying expensive "trick" parts to increase output or improve handling of the racecar. The desired result is rarely achieved. I can speak as a real authority in this arena.

Save your money on the car upgrades and consider investing it by hiring a professional driving coach such as E Paul Dickinson. You will be more than happy with the result.

When I read the attached article, it made so much sense to me I felt it had to be passed along.
The article, "Put Me in, Coach" is a reprint first published in PCA's Club Racer News written by Rob Pecori. It describes his weekend at The Glen this past May with Professional Driving Coach E. Paul Dickinson. Rob, an accomplished 20 year instructor and PCA and NASA racer, shaved 4 seconds a lap. The article details the process.

I have known both Rob Pecori and E Paul Dickinson for 18 years. I have great regard for Rob’s abilities. I have had him as both a PCA instructor and have raced against him. I was amazed at Rob shaving 4 seconds at the Glen. I would have not thought it possible.

E. Paul Dickinson was my first PCA instructor back in 1991 ...I got lucky. His enthusiasm and fearless in-car instruction kept me coming back and wanting more. He is a Six-time SCCA National Champion who has a gift that he is more than capable of sharing with others.

Please take the time to read the attached article ……The lap times you reduce may be your own.

Clark

Click here to access the link to Rob's article & read more about E. Paul

I am the STIG Decals

"I am the Stig" vinyl decals now available. Your choice of color and layout or get all three for one price. http://www.apexperformance.net/CartGenie/prod-1893.htm

Bell Discontinues 280 Detent Shields.

In 2006, Bell Racing began to switch the product line over to the newer SRV mechanism as a replacement for the detent style shield system. They have continued to sell detent style replacement shields for older models still in service. Going forward, they are not going to reorder the detent style shields.

Detent to SRV Conversion Kit
Customers who have older models that use the 280 detent style shield will still be able to buy replacement clear shields by ordering a 280 Clear SRV shield and a Detent to SRV Conversion Kit. The part number for the conversion kit is as follows:

2016034 – Detent to SRV Conversion Kit

Apex Performance Offical Trackside Supplier for Dark Side Driving Events

Apex Performance becomes official trackside supplier for Dark Side Driving Events. http://darksidede.com/Links.html.

If you haven't participated in one of the Dark Side Driving Events, check it out.

Chatterbox Now Available

We've added Chatterbox to our product line-up. If you instruct, these are a must to communicate with your students. The CB-50 Tandem Pro model is the most popular model for instructor/student setups and features a true stereo sound, an audio input to listen to your favorite songs, and a cellular phone input to keep in touch with friends.

Counterfeit HANS Pro Series Anchors

Received from the Hans folks - FYI...

August 18, 2009
To: All Authorized HANS Device Dealers
Subject: Counterfeit HANS Device Pro Series Post Anchors

All authorized HANS Device dealers need to be aware we have discovered counterfeit Pro Series post anchors on a helmet purchased direct from Impact Racing Products. Preliminary investigations suggest that counterfeit parts may have been supplied with other helmets provided by Impact. We are seeking to find out the source of the counterfeit anchors and to establish how widely they may have been distributed. It is possible that counterfeits may have been installed on other helmets, either factory-fitted by a helmet manufacturer or by racers installing replacement parts during equipment changes. To ensure all racers have confidence in their safety equipment, HANS is implementing a program to replace any counterfeit post anchors free of charge. We will replace any set of Pro Series post anchors that we suspect of being counterfeit at no charge to the racer. The replaced post anchors in question will have to be returned to HANS for inspection. HANS will cover mailing costs in both directions. We are taking this action and notifying you because we have serious concerns as to their safety and functionality. At this time, there is no indication that the Sport Series post anchors with the black plastic base or earlier post anchor designs with the round head have been counterfeited. If racers want to check their Pro Series post anchors, one quick test is to touch a magnet to the post. The posts used in all our designs since July 2005 are magnetic. The posts on the counterfeits we have seen are not magnetic. Our earlier designs used a non-magnetic material for the post, so a non-magnetic post is not necessarily a counterfeit, but it is a reason why a racer should contact us for more information.We have a special website link, www.hansdevice.com/anchor-replacement, set up for racers to go to determine if there is cause to suspect the anchors installed on their helmet. The racer will be required to answer a few questions to determine if they should suspect the post anchors they are using. They will also be required to supply us with information such as brand and model of helmet, from where and when they purchased the anchors/helmet with anchors. We will also need the serial number of the device they use. The suspect anchors will be required to be returned to HANS for further inspection. If your customers have any questions, please direct them to the website link above or direct to HANS at (888) HANS-999 (426-7999) or (770) 457-1046. If you have any questions, please contact us immediately. Thanks.Howard BennettDirector of Sales and Technical Services

New Location for Apex Performance

What a summer! We have finalized our relocation from Pennsylvania to Murrells Inlet, South Carolina (10 miles south of Myrtle Beach). Our new location provides extra warehouse space and a warmer climate to operate. Our new address is:

207 Elk Hunt Court
Unit B
Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
Phone: 843-299-0997
Toll free: 866-505-2739

Gforce has introduced a brand new special - Buy a G-FORCE Racing Gear driver package and receive up to $100.00 in free product! Here's the link or call us to take advantage of this special offer. It will be for a limited time.

http://www.apexperformance.net/CartGenie/prod-1848.htm

Hybrid-Pro RAGE Now available!

Hybrid Pro RAGE - $695 - Now in stock. If you drive various models of cars and sit at various degrees, the Hybrid Pro Rage is the answer. One model fits all angles - just choose your size.

New Composite Model - Weighs about a lb. More than the Hybrid Pro. Minimalistic design offers the same great protection. New SSG (Side Stabilizing Gusset) Load Path for unbeatable angular protection. Device is designed to work WITH you, not against you. Patented Seatbelt Anchoring System (SAS) for incredible security - the harness controls your motion.

SFI 38.1

http://www.apexperformance.net/CartGenie/prod-1751.htm

OMP Carrera Boot in Road & Track Magazine

OMPs Carrera Vintage Racing Boot is featured in the latest issue of Road and Track Magazine.

The Carrera is made of supple leather with an aramid liner and has a Vintage look.

http://www.apexperformance.net/CartGenie/prod-1741.htm

PCA Clash at the Glen

Apex Performance attended the PCA Clash at the Glen this past weekend. After racing in and attending mostly NASA events ( All 944 Cup) for the past 5 years, it was nice to get back to a really well run PCA event. Like what seems to be the majority of racers, PCA Club Racing is where we started. My hat is definitely off to the Zone 1 organizors and endless volunteers. Thanks for your efforts.

My observations as a spectator: The amount of track time seemed ample I heard no complaints from any racers. The car groupings seemed logical and the split starts worked
as designed.

44 Cup had its own run group made up of SP1,2 and 3 cars. It was really nice to see old friends and make some new ones. I had emailed Frank Celenza numerous times but we had never met until this weekend.

DD showed up with 3 Trophy Girls on Saturday morning. ( PT Barnum at his zenith). Anyway they attracted a ton of attention and were a great addition to the ambiance.

Here are most of the pics I took when I could remember to take offf the lens cap.

http://www.apexperformance.net/cartgenie/prodList.asp?scat=367

OMP Suit Sale

Save HUNDREDS on two fantastic OMP models:

ELITE - 2 Layer Light Suit
Was $899
NOW $499 & free shipping*

Available in Red, Blue or Black


TECNICA LIGHT- 3 Layer Ultra Light Suit Was $1,525
NOW $1,199 & free shipping*

Available in Red, Black, Blue, Silver & White

*Free ground shipping - US 48

(Promocodes are not valid on the Elite or Tecnica Light Suits)

5.11.09 Bell Driver Helio Castroneves Claims 2009 Indianapolis 500 Pole

5.11.09 Bell Driver Helio Castroneves Claims 2009 Indianapolis 500 Pole

After facing an offseason of adversity, 2 time Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves returned to Indianapolis to claim the 2009 pole with a four lap average speed of 224.8 miles per hour.

Castroneves withdrew his earlier 3rd place qualifying effort and waited for the 15 MPH wind to calm down to attempt a 2nd qualifying effort securing the 3rd Indy 500 pole of his career taking the top spot from teammate Ryan Briscoe.

"This place is magic," said Castroneves, a two-time Indy winner. "It's just amazing. ... We just had to keep working through the weather, working through the day. Ryan and I were really strong. When he (Briscoe) went out there at the end, I was thinking I didn't really want to have to go out [again]."

Less than a month after being acquitted of tax evasion charges, Castroneves returned to his first love – racing. "Many times during the trial I was thinking about it," he said. "I knew what I loved [is] racing, but I realized even more that's my life. And just to be here is a dream come true and I appreciate that every day when I wake up in the morning. I enjoy life. Now I enjoy it even more. But I have to say that what I learned from the trial, probably my mind is much stronger and my skin is a little bit thicker now."

Helio Castronves wears the Bell T6 Interceptor. Other Bell drivers qualifying for the 2009 Indianapolis 500 include 2006 Rookie of the Year Marco Andretti (8th), 2005 Rookie of the Year Danica Patrick (10th), Alex Lloyd (11th) and 2005 Indy 500 Champion Dan Wheldon (18th).

LOEB DECLARES HANS DEVICE SUPPORT – WRECKS SOLIDIFY TESTIMONIAL

LOEB DECLARES HANS DEVICE SUPPORT – WRECKS SOLIDIFY TESTIMONIAL Atlanta, Georgia (April 22, 2009) – World Rally Champion Sebastien Loeb says the HANS Device has been the most significant safety feature introduced in WRC during the past 10 years. Speaking recently, Loeb stated that out of all the safety improvements that have been made in WRC, the HANS Device was his favorite innovation. “The most important safety improvement to me is HANS.” He added, “Nowadays I don’t think about wearing it but if I drive without it I feel strange – I feel loose.”FIA WRC racer, Bernardo Sousa, validated the truth of Loeb’s position when he walked away from a 75 mph (120 kph) crash that destroyed his FIAT Abarth Grande Punto during April’s Rally Portugal.Vojtecha Stajf also paid testament to the safety a HANS Device can provide when he survived a 90+mph (150 kph) crash that shredded his Subaru Impreza WRX STi during this month’s European Rally Cups Race in the Czech Republic. Stajf said that his HANS Device and the rigidity of the roll cage saved him from serious or fatal injury. Video Footage of both wrecks is available via http://www.youtube.com/user/HansDevice. The HANS Device is the best selling head and neck restraint as proven by more than 75,000 racers worldwide and continues to be #1 for performance, #1 for vision and #1 for winners.